Joint construction in a laminate of metal and plastic layer

ABSTRACT

A joint construction in a laminate of, alternately, at least two metal layers and at least one plastic layer accommodated between them comprises metal layers which each have at least two sections. The two sections of at least one outer metal layer overlap one another and are fixed to one another at the location of the overlap by an adhesive. Each metal layer has overlapping sections which are fixed to one another by an adhesive.

[0001] The invention relates to a joint construction in a laminate of,alternately, at least two metal layers and at least one plastic layerincorporated between them, which metal layers each comprise at least twosections and the two sections of at least one outer metal layer overlapone another, which two sections are fixed to one another at the locationof the overlap by means of an adhesive.

[0002] A joint construction of this type is disclosed in EP-A 983 141.This known joint construction has three metal layers, between which twoplastic layers are accommodated. One of the outer metal layers has twosections which overlap one another in such a way that a smooth surfaceis obtained. The spaces next to the overlap are filled with the glue bymeans of which the overlapping parts of the sections are fixed to oneanother.

[0003] The other metal layers and the plastic layers continue on at thelocation of the overlap. These other metal layers also consist of twosections, the leading edges of which abut one another. The outer layerthereof is provided with a glued fixing strip at the location of theleading edges, which fixing strip, together with the plastic layerlocated on the other side of the sections, must provide for the transferof force between said sections.

[0004] This known joint construction has a number of disadvantages.First of all the seam between the sections with leading edges abuttingone another must have fairly accurately prescribed dimensions. Thismeans that the sections themselves must have fairly accurate dimensionsand also that the sections must be positioned accurately with respect toone another. A further disadvantage is that an additional joining striphas to be applied to one of the free sides of the joint construction.For these reasons a joint construction of this type is relativelyinconvenient and expensive.

[0005] The aim of the invention is to provide a joint construction ofthe type described above that can be produced more simply. Said aim isachieved in that each metal layer has overlapping sections which arefixed to one another by means of an adhesive.

[0006] In the case of the joint construction according to the inventionall sections can be produced and positioned with respect to one anotherwith wide tolerance. The cost can consequently remain relatively low,without, however, this leading to inaccuracies or insufficient strength.

[0007] In this context the joint construction can be so constructed thatthe overlap between two sections of a metal layer is offset with respectto the overlap between two sections of another metal layer.

[0008] The outside of the joint construction is continuous and smoothif, in each metal layer, one section is straight and the other sectionis joggled. Such an embodiment is important when the joint constructionis used in panels for aircraft and the like.

[0009] The invention will be explained in more detail below withreference to an illustrative embodiment shown in the FIGURE.

[0010] The FIGURE shows a cross-section through a joint constructionaccording to the invention. This joint construction comprises threemetal layers 1-3, each of which consists of two sections 4′, 5′; 4″, 5″;4′″, 5′″. Two layers of plastic material 6, 7, which, for example,consist of a matrix of glass fibres embedded in a resin, are arrangedbetween the metal layers 1-3 The sections 4′-5′″ of each of the layers1-3 overlap one another at the location of an overlap 8 to 10. For thispurpose the one section 4′ of the outer metal layer 1 has a section 11that is joggled on and extends to below the other section 51. Thesections 4′ and 5′ are glued to one another at the location of theoverlap 8 by means of a layer 12 of glue.

[0011] For the sections 4″1, 41′″ of the other layers 2, 3 it is alsothe case that the section 11 thereof is joggled and extends to below theother section 5″, 5′″ of said metal layer 2 or 3, respectively.

[0012] The plastic layers 6, 7 run through continuously at the locationof the overlap 8-10.

1. Joint construction in a laminate of, alternately, at least two metallayers (1-3) and at least one plastic layer (6, 7) incorporated betweenthem, which metal layers (1-3) each comprise at least two sections (4′,5′; 4″, 5″; 4′″, 5′″) and the two sections (4′, 5′) of at least oneouter metal layer (1) overlap one another (8-10), which two sections(4′, 5′) are fixed to one another at the location of the overlap (8) bymeans of an adhesive (6), characterised in that each metal layer (1-3)has overlapping sections (4′, 5′; 4″, 5″; 4′″, 5′″) which are fixed toone another by means of an adhesive (6).
 2. Construction according toclaim 1, wherein the overlap (8) between two sections (4′, 5′) of ametal layer (1) is offset with respect to the overlap (9, 10) betweentwo sections (4″, 5″; 4′″, 5′″) of another metal layer (2, 3). 3.Construction according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, in each metal layer (1,3), one section (5′, 5″, 5′″) is straight and the other section (4′, 4″,4′″) is joggled.
 4. Construction according to claim 1, 2 or 3, whereineach plastic layer (7, 8) is joggled at the location of an overlap (8,10).
 5. Construction according to claim 1, 2, 3 or 4, wherein eachplastic layer (7, 8) is continuous at the location of an overlap (8,10).